Pets have been proven to boost both our physical and our mental health. They provide unconditional love, give us a sense of responsibility but also animals such as dogs who require regular walks get us outside exercising in the fresh air!
Here’s a breakdown of just a few of the ways pets help to boost our mood!
Companionship
Depression is often linked to a sense of isolation or loneliness, or sometimes a lack of purpose. Having a pet means you have a constant loyal companion, someone to greet you at the door or sit with you when you’re on your own. Owning a pet can also give you a sense of responsibility, as the pet depends on you for all their daily needs.
Exercise
Going for a regular walk helps to increase fitness, lower blood pressure, and decrease stress. Walking can help to calm your mind and increase the strength of your muscles and bones. Sometimes, it can be hard to find the time or motivation to go for a walk, but when you have a pet there are no excuses!
Meet new people
Owning a pet has been proven to help you make human friendships too. Dog walkers typically meet the same dog walkers on their route, and having dog ownership in common is an easy conversation starter. It’s not just dog walking though, you can also meet new people through pet sitting platforms and forums, and pet groups in your neighbourhood.
Structure to your day
Often, humans struggle with the stresses and uncertainty of life, so having a controllable routine can really help anchor us, for example having dinner and going to bed at a similar time each day. Pets require routine too – they need feeding (often twice a day), they need walking and playing with, and they also need regular sleep. Because your pet needs a routine, it gives you structure too.
